Day 8 - Črniče

Another day in Črniče. We hiked to the end of town, found a rough trail to a gurgling river and followed it upstream among the boulders and dense trees. We returned to have lunch at the Arkade tourist farm and the food was so good. We had intended to eat a light lunch, but at the insistence of the owner, Silva, we each had a dish of mangalitsa pork that the Cigoj family raises. I've never tasted pork like that. It was rich, deep and delicious. Silva cajoled into trying one of her light, refreshing white wines made with a grape that is unique to Slovenia, Malvazija. It was indeed refreshing and bright - it tasted of a breezy sunlit Saturday or maybe that was just my imagination. This region of Slovenia is subject to seasonal intense winds they call The Bora (or Burja), which can reach up to 120 mph. The intensity and impact of these winds has shaped the towns and landscape. Towns are packed tightly, with labyrinthine roads hedged by high walls or houses themselves. Terra cotta roofs are kept in place by stones (pictured).Read more